Despite the hardships of dealing with his father's illness and Chelsea’s early season woes, Mourinho was adamant that at no point has he considered stepping away from the touchline and having a break from the job he adores.

Mourinho said: “Never (have I considered having a break).

“Of course I didn’t enjoy the break [when he left Chelsea the first time].

“Until December was fine, I went to Japan for Nakata testimonial, went with my wife and my kids to Christmas in Brazil in the Summer.

“But in January I was in big trouble, I couldn’t wait for the next job.”

Mourinho is sweating on the fitness of Spanish pair Pedro and Diego Costa ahead of the Reds fixture , which he reportedly must win to avoid being given the boot by Roman Abramovich.